Sun Allergies: Identification and Prevention
Sun allergies are a common but poorly understood condition. Most people think that their skin is allergic to the sun, when, it is not. Sun sensitivity is a form of phototoxicity, meaning that the sun’s ultraviolet rays may damage our skin, eyes, and immune system. While no one is truly allergic to the sun, some people are quite sensitive to different types of sunlight and may develop mild to serious reactions after spending time in the sun. Sun allergies (also known as photodermatoses) are caused by the direct or indirect effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin. The most common type of “sun allergy” is polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), an autoimmune condition in the skin that occurs after sun exposure. Different types of sun allergies have different characteristics and causes, solar urticaria (hives and reddish patches that usually start 30 minutes to two hours after sun exposure), actinic prurigo (papules and nodules that are intensely itchy on sun-exposed skin areas), and photoallergic reaction (when the UV rays from the sun modify the chemical structure of medications applied to the skin).
What Is Sun Allergy (Photosensitivity)?
Sun sensitivity, also known as polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), is an immune system reaction to sunlight. The most common locations include the “V” of the neck, the back of the hands, the outside surface of the arms, and the lower legs. In rare cases this may be more severe, producing hives or small blisters that may even spread to clothed areas. It can appear as a red, scaly rash or itchy, watery blisters that appear anywhere on your skin. The most common locations include the “V” of the neck, the back of the hands and arms, hands, and knees as well as lower legs. Sun allergies are a common problem, with most people developing them at some point in their life. While some forms of sun allergy are inherited and can be triggered by only a few brief moments of sun exposure, others are not. Sun allergies occur in sensitive people who develop skin reactions after only one or two minutes in direct sunlight. If you suffer from any type of sun sensitivity, including itching and burning in your eyes or mouth, along with redness and swelling, you may want to consult your doctor for more information about the causes of this condition. People who are allergic to sunlight are more likely to get sun allergies. The condition is triggered by changes in the skin’s reaction to sunlight. This can result in a rash, blisters, or other symptoms such as redness and swelling.
There are some common types of sun allergies such as:
- Actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE) is an inherited form of PMLE that occurs most often in people of American Indian and Hispanic background, including the American Indian populations of North, South, and Central America. Its symptoms include itching and a red rash, which may be severe enough to itch or cause blistering. There may be long-term side effects such as skin scarring and hair loss.
- A photoallergic reaction to a medication or sunscreen ingredient can happen with any type of exposure to sunlight. In this form of sun allergy, a skin reaction is triggered by the effect of sunlight on a chemical that has been applied to the skin (often an ingredient in sunscreen, fragrances, or cosmetics). Common prescription medicines that can cause a photoallergic eruption include antibiotics (especially tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), NSAID pain relievers ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, and diuretics for high blood pressure and heart failure.
- Solar urticaria is known as a rare condition that causes hives on sun-exposed skin. It is most often seen in young women, who may have flares of this allergy every month or so. It can also cause blistering and burning. Because it affects mostly young women, it is often misdiagnosed as acne or eczema.
What Causes Pmle?
People with PMLE (photosensitivity) usually have immune cells in their skin that are triggered by sun rays, which attack their skin, causing a rash and redness. These people develop a sensitivity to sunlight and sometimes burn easily. PMLE is a skin condition that can affect both sexes, causing flare-ups of redness and small bumps on the arms, legs, and trunk. The rash usually develops in teens or young adults and starts with a small area of red bumps. It progresses to large and itchy patches. PMLE is common in people with fair skin, who live in the northern hemisphere (comprising about 70 percent of cases). Many people who have PMLE tan easily. It is more common in young women who live in temperate climates and spend all winter out of the sun due to cloudy weather, so when it becomes warmer they are desensitized. People who live in warmer climates spend more time exposed to the sun year-round, so they have a higher tolerance for UV light than people who live in cooler climates do.
What Does Pmle Look Like?
PMLE can appear several hours or days after the first major sunlight exposure of the season, usually during spring or at the beginning of summer. Peeling skin on the affected area is one of the symptoms of PMLE. It can be seen hours or days after a major exposure to sunlight, usually during spring or at the beginning of summer. The areas that are usually affected most are those covered during wintertime yet not in the summer: neck and chest, as well as arms and legs if they were wearing long clothes while outside.
PMLE appears as a red rash that develops after sun exposure. Sometimes it is caused by a pollen allergy, and other times it is caused by an insect bite. Some people who have allergic contact dermatitis are not thought to have a sun allergy at all; they may instead be prone to PMLE due to a genetic tendency toward sensitivity to certain toxins or chemicals. The symptoms of PMLE may include dryness and/or flaking skin and itching. See a physician if you think you have PMLE or another sun allergy. These spots may itch, burn, or sting, but they typically do not leave a scar. In more severe cases, the patches cover most of the body and may be associated with headaches and fevers too. If you think you have PMLE or another sun allergy, see an urgent care provider for evaluation.
Does Pmle Get Better?
PMLE appears as a red rash that develops after sun exposure. Sometimes it is caused by a pollen allergy, and other times it is caused by an insect bite. Some people who have allergic contact dermatitis are not thought to have a sun allergy at all; they may instead be prone to PMLE due to a genetic tendency toward sensitivity to certain toxins or chemicals. The symptoms of PMLE may include dryness and/or flaking skin and itching. See a physician if you think you have PMLE or another sun allergy. These spots may itch, burn, or sting, but they typically do not leave a scar. In more severe cases, the patches cover most of the body and may be associated with headaches and fevers too. If you think you have PMLE or another sun allergy, see an urgent care provider for evaluation.
What Are Current Treatments For Any Sun Allergy, Including Pmle?
Sunscreen is the best way to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Wear sunglasses, hats, and clothing made of fabrics that protect your body from UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours while swimming, even in cloudy conditions. The best way to protect yourself from the sun is to prevent exposure. Keep out of the sun when it is most intense (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and use items such as clothing, hats, and sunglasses that protect you from UV rays from reaching your skin. It is important to use sunscreen every day, even if it is cloudy. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and if you go swimming or get sweaty reapply more frequently (water-resistant sunscreen should also be reapplied). Our broad-spectrum sunscreens protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
PMLE is a skin condition that causes red patches of skin to appear. There are a few treatments available for PMLE and most patients respond very well to topical steroids applied in the affected areas. If you develop PMLE, the areas of skin impacted can be treated with steroid creams. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend a short course of steroid pills. Medications that reduce the immune response, such as azathioprine, are options for treating PMLE Antihistamines may help reduce itching and inflammation caused by this condition. You may want to take hydroxychloroquine (a medication used to treat malaria) or Polypodium leucotomos extract, a natural substance derived from tropical fern leaves, as a prevention method when people travel to sunny locations during winter vacations. Oral lycopene and beta-carotene (vitamin A derivatives), which are present in many nutritional supplements, also have an anti-inflammatory effect that helps prevent PMLE.
